Method and Apparatus for Analyzing Steam Trap Data

ABSTRACT

A system for analyzing steam trap data includes a steam trap monitoring device operable to monitor a parameter of a steam trap, transform the parameter into data, and transmit the data to a computer; and includes a computer operable to receive the data, the computer including an algorithm for evaluating the data. A method of analyzing steam trap data includes the steps of: providing a steam trap monitoring device operable to monitor a parameter of a steam trap, transform the parameter into data, and transmit data to a computer, and providing a computer operable to receive the data, the computer including an algorithm for evaluating the data; using the steam trap monitoring device to monitor a parameter of a steam trap, transform the parameter into data, and transmit the data to the computer; and using the computer to receive the data, and evaluate the data with the algorithm.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national stage of International Application No.PCT/US05/044539, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/199,111, filed Aug. 8, 2005, which is a Continuation-In-Part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/006,789, filed Dec. 8, 2004. Thedisclosures of which are all incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates in general to steam traps and the monitoring ofsteam traps.

2. Description of Related Art

Steam traps are equipment items common in factories, refineries andother industrial or commercial facilities that use steam line systems.Steam traps are installed in process steam lines and act to separatecondensed steam, or “condensate,” from the steam without allowing thesteam to escape from the steam line system. The separated condensate isthen typically recycled through condensate return lines to a boiler forconversion back to steam. During ideal operation, a steam trap removescondensate from process steam lines while preventing steam from escapingpast the steam trap into the condensate return lines. If steam isallowed to pass through the steam trap into the condensate return lines,the result is a loss of valuable energy and a reduction in theefficiency of the steam line system. Further, if the steam trap is notremoving condensate from the steam line system, and the condensate isallowed to remain in the steam lines, the result is a reduction in theefficiency of the steam system and an increase in the needed energy tomaintain the same operations.

There are several well-known types of steam traps, including invertedbucket traps, float traps, thermostatic traps, and disc traps.Manufacturing facilities, refineries, and large buildings often arefitted with extensive systems of steam lines for heating and for processsteam. Some of these facilities typically contain 1,000 or more steamtraps. To promote efficient operation of the steam traps, some type ofmonitoring or inspection is often employed to detect malfunctioningtraps, which may then be replaced or repaired.

Several different methods of monitoring the condition of a steam trapare known. One method uses a system with a battery powered probe tosense the temperature of a trap. The temperature measurement is thencorrelated with a particular condition of the steam trap. Another methoduses a system with a battery powered probe in an inverted bucket steamtrap to sense the presence of water in the trap. When the invertedbucket steam trap has water in it, the trap has a state or conditionreferred to as “prime.” A properly operating inverted bucket trap musthave a condition of prime if it is functioning properly. A requisiteamount of water in the trap is indicative of proper steam trapoperation. Such a steam trap monitoring system includes a probeextending into a steam trap, the probe being responsive to the level ofcondensate in the steam trap.

Another method of monitoring a steam trap uses a steam trap systemincluding signal lights on the steam trap indicative of the processconditions in the trap. For proper monitoring, such a system requiresvisual inspection of the steam trap.

Another method to monitor a steam trap uses a hard wired system, whichincludes physical wiring that is threaded from a steam trap to acentrally located steam trap control station for receiving and storingdata concerning the process conditions of the steam trap.

Still other methods for monitoring steam traps use systems suitable totransmit and report steam trap status data using radio wave signals.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general steam traps and the monitoring ofsteam traps and more specifically to a method of analyzing steam trapdata and a system for analyzing steam trap data.

The system for analyzing steam trap data includes a steam trapmonitoring device operable to monitor a parameter of a steam trap,transform the parameter into data, and transmit the data to a computer.The system includes a computer operable to receive the data, thecomputer including an algorithm for evaluating the data.

The method of analyzing steam trap data includes the steps of: providinga steam trap monitoring device operable to monitor a parameter of asteam trap, transform the parameter into data, and transmit data to acomputer, and providing a computer operable to receive the data, thecomputer including an algorithm for evaluating the data; using the steamtrap monitoring device to monitor a parameter of a steam trap, transformthe parameter into data, and transmit the data to the computer; andusing the computer to receive the data, and evaluate the data with thealgorithm.

Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following detailed description, whenread in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system for analyzing steam trap data inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method of analyzing steam trap data usingthe system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an expanded flow chart of a portion of the method of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration, partially in phantom, of a steamtrap and a remote monitoring system, suitable for use in the system ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration showing openings for probes in acoupling of a connector block of the remote monitoring system of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a system,indicated generally at 10, for analyzing steam trap data in accordancewith the present invention. The system 10 includes a plurality of steamtraps 14. As shown in FIG. 1 the steam traps 14 are located withinmultiple facilities, i.e., Plant 1, Plant 2, and Plant 3. Within Plant1, the steam traps 14 are located within multiple portions of thefacility, i.e., Sections 1 and 2 of Plant 1. It must be understoodhowever that the system 10 may include any suitable number of steamtraps 14 at any suitable number of locations. For example, the system 10may include a single steam trap 14 in a single portion of a singlefacility, or any other number of steam traps in any number of portionsof any number of facilities.

Each steam trap 14 is provided with a steam trap monitoring device 18.Each monitoring device is operable to monitor an operating parameter ofa respective steam trap 14, transform the parameter into data, andtransmit the data. The monitored parameter may include temperature,pressure, condensate flow rate, steam flow rate, fluid levels, or anyother suitable parameter. The monitoring device 18 is shown as anintegrated device with a sensor for monitoring a parameter, atransforming apparatus, such as a microprocessor, for transforming theparameter into data, and a transmitter for transmitting the data. Themonitoring device 18 is shown as coupled to, or in direct contact with,the steam trap 14. It must be understood, however, that the monitoringdevice 18 may be any suitable device operating in any suitable manner.For example, the monitoring device 18 may be several separate modulesincluding any suitable sensor, any suitable transforming apparatus, andany suitable transmitter. The sensor may be a direct sensor, such as athermocouple or any suitable direct sensor, or an indirect sensor, suchas an infrared scanner or any suitable indirect sensor. Also, themonitoring device 18 may be connected to equipment near the steam trap14 instead of actually on the steam trap 14.

There is shown in FIG. 4 a more detailed illustration of the steam trap14 and the monitoring device 18, suitable for use in the system of FIG.1.

The depicted steam trap 14 is generally conventional and well known inthe art, although it is to be understood that the present invention maybe used with other types of steam traps. The steam trap 14 is connectedto a live steam line (not shown) which supplies steam into the steamtrap 14. The steam trap 14 is also connected to a condensate return line(not shown) to direct the condensate back to the steam generator, suchas a boiler (not shown). The steam trap 14 is connected to themonitoring device 18.

In the embodiment shown, the monitoring device 18 includes a connectorblock 330, a temperature sensor device 340, an acoustic sensor device350, and an electronic monitoring device 360.

The connector block 330 allows the steam trap 14 to be installed in apiping configuration. The connector block 330 can be manufactured out ofany suitable material that can withstand normal steam trap workingpressures and temperatures. In certain embodiments, the connector block330 is made of stainless steel. It is to be understood that suitablepiping connections for the connector block 330 can be NPT, PSPT, socketweld, butt weld, or any specialty connection that is acceptably used inthe steam trap industry. In certain embodiments, the connector block 330can have a strainer (not shown) for debris removal.

The connector block 330 is operatively connected to the steam trap 14 ina suitable manner as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Inthe embodiment shown, the connector block 330 includes a coupling 322secured to a collar 324. The coupling 322 and collar 324 are ingenerally coaxial alignment with one of an inlet port 312 and an outletport 314 in the steam trap 14, as in a manner understood by thoseskilled in the art. The collar 324 includes at least one steam inletpassage 325 and at least one steam outlet passage 327.

The coupling 322 of the connector block 330 includes at least one steaminlet passage 331 that receives steam from the upstream steam system.The steam inlet passage 331 is in communication with the inlet passage325 in the collar 324, which, in turn, is in communication with theinlet port 312 in the steam trap 14. The coupling 322 in the connectorblock 330 also includes at least one steam outlet passage 332 thatreceives recovered steam from the steam outlet passage 327 in the collar322 of the steam trap 14 and delivers the recovered steam to thedownstream steam system. As is well understood, a portion of the supplyof steam is diverted into the steam trap 14 where condensate is trappedor retained and then removed from the steam system.

In one aspect of the present invention, the connector block 330 definesa first orifice, or pocket, 334 and a second orifice, or pocket, 336, asshown in FIG. 5. The first and second pockets 334 and 336 each extendinward from an outer surface 338 of the connector block 330. The firstand second pockets 334 and 336 terminate at closed ends 335 and 337,respectively. The closed ends 335 and 337 are in a spaced apartrelationship to the inlet and outlet passages 331 and 332 in theconnector block 330.

The first pocket 334 has an interior dimension that readily accepts thetemperature sensor device 340. The temperature sensor 340 is locatedwithin the connector block 330 in the first pocket 334 near the inletport 331 in the connector block 330. The temperature sensor device 340monitors the temperature of the steam entering the steam trap 14.

The second pocket 336 has an interior dimension that readily accepts theacoustic sensor device 350. The acoustical sensor device 350 is locatedwithin the connector block 330 in the second pocket 336 in a suitablemanner. The acoustical sensor device 350 monitors sound emitting fromthe steam trap during the service life of the steam trap 14.

The electronic monitoring device 360 is operatively connected to thetemperature sensor device 340 and to the acoustical sensor device 350.The electronic monitoring device 360 receives data from the temperaturesensor device 340 and the acoustic sensor device 350 and provides themonitoring logic for the individual trap 14 to which the monitoringdevice 360 is connected.

The electronic monitoring device 360 can include any suitable enclosurefor encasing the sensing equipment required for operation of themonitoring device 18. The electronic monitoring device 360 includes anysuitable programmable device capable of controlling the gathering,storage, and dissemination of process condition data. In certainembodiments, a suitable sensor controller is a PIC 16C322 chip fromMicrochip. It is to be understood that various input devices can beconnected to the sensor controller to supply the sensor controller withdata from the temperature sensor device 340 and from the acoustic sensordevice 350. For example, electrodes (not shown) can be connected vialead lines (not shown) from the electronic monitoring device 360 to thetemperature sensor device 340 and to acoustic sensor device 350 toprovide input regarding the prime status (prime or no prime) of thesteam trap 14. The electronic monitoring device 360 can be programmed toset a desired level for acceptable temperature and acousticalsensitivity.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the system 10 includes a computer 22. Thecomputer is operable to receive the data from the steam trap monitoringdevices 18. For example, the monitoring devices 18 in Section 1 of Plant1 are directly hard wired to the computer 22, as indicated at 26. Themonitoring devices 18 in Section 2 of Plant 1 are equipped with wirelesstransmitters, as indicated at 30, and the computer 22 is directlyconnected with a wireless receiver, as indicated at 34, to receive thedata from the monitoring devices 18 in Section 2. In the presentexample, the computer 22 may be located in or near Plant 1, i.e., at thesame facility, for efficiency of wiring. However, it must be understoodthat the computer 22 may be in any suitable location.

In another example, the monitoring devices 18 may include internetenabled transmitters. In this situation, all or some of the monitoringdevices 18 in Plant 1 would be operable to transmit data to the computer22 over the internet.

As used in this description, the term “internet enabled” is intended toinclude, but not be limited to, any device that can function to send orreceive data over the internet, such as, for example, by having atransceiving device assigned a static IP address, or in any othersuitable manner. Also, as used in this description, the term“transmitter” is intended to include, but not be limited to, any devicethat suitable to broadcast data, either over hard wired lines orwirelessly, and the term “receiver” is intended to include, but not belimited to, any device suitable to receive data, either over hard wiredlines or wirelessly. The term “transceiver” is intended to include, butnot be limited to, any device capable of performing as both atransmitter and a receiver. Further, it must be understood any devicereferred to as a “transmitter” or a “receiver” may be a “transceiver.”Additionally, it is intended that any of these devices may be integralto or separate from but connected to any of the other devices with whichthey are described as functioning.

For further example, the monitoring devices 18 of Plant 2 are wired to arepeater 38. In the present example, the computer 22 is located remotelyfrom Plant 2, i.e., at a different facility, and the repeater 38 may bean internet enabled transceiver, such as a router, or any other suitabletransceiver. In another example, when the computer 22 is located withinthe Plant 2 the repeater 38 may by an intranet enabled transceiver, suchas a hub, bridge, or switch, or any other suitable transceiver.

The monitoring devices 18 of Plant 3 are equipped with wirelesstransmitters, as indicated at 42. The wireless transmitters 42 are incommunication with a wireless repeater 46. In the present example, thecomputer 22 is located remotely from Plant 3, and the wireless repeater46 may be an internet enabled transceiver, such as a router, or anyother suitable transceiver. In another example, when the computer 22 islocated within the Plant 3 the wireless repeater 46 may be an intranetenabled transceiver, such as a hub, bridge, or switch, or any othersuitable transceiver.

It must be understood, however, in either example for Plant 2 or Plant3, that the repeater 38 or the wireless repeater 46 may be any suitablerepeater, such as, for example, any transceiver operable to relay thedata from a steam trap monitoring device 18 to the computer 22, or anyother suitable repeater.

The computer 22 includes an algorithm for evaluating the data. Thealgorithm is suitable to provide an analysis of the data. As used inthis description, the term “algorithm” is intended to include, but notbe limited to, any program capable of making a substantive analysis ofthe data. The algorithm may include at least one program module. As usedin this description, the term “program module” is indented to include,but not be limited to, any portion of a program, or sub-program, whichis designed to make a specific analysis of data. For example, thealgorithm may include:

an economic program module (e.g., cost analysis of steam trapoperation);

an environmental program module (e.g., environmental impact of steamtrap operation);

an operational program module (e.g., functional report of steam trapoperation and/or related systems);

a predictive program module (e.g., prediction of future steam trapoperation/failure/repair);

a remedial program module (e.g., repair work order and/or parts order,generation of repair schedule); or

any other suitable program module.

The system 10 may also include at least one output device, such as aprinter 47 or a monitor 49, in communication with the computer 22. Theoutput device, such as a printer 47 or a monitor 49, is operable topresent output from the computer 22 to a user, such as by print-out orby display, where the output is based upon the algorithm evaluation ofthe data.

The system 10 further includes an optional storage device 50 incommunication with the computer 22. As shown in FIG. 1, the storagedevice 50 is separate from the computer 22 and may be any suitablestorage device, such as a network server, or internet sever. Further, itmust be understood that the storage device 50 may be integral to thecomputer 22, such as a fixed disk drive, tape drive, dvd/cd rw, or anyother suitable storage device. The storage device 50 is operable tostore output from the computer 22, the output being based upon thealgorithm evaluation of the data, as indicated at 54. The storage device50 may include information that may be used by the computer 22 duringthe algorithm evaluation of the data. Such information could include thefunction history of one or more steam traps 14, as indicated at 58, thelocation of one or more steam traps 14, as indicated at 62, the cost ofuse/parts/repair of one or more steam trap 14, as indicated at 66, orany other suitable information.

The system 10 optionally also includes a user interface 70. As shown inFIG. 1 the user interface 70 is a second computer, such as a single userworkstation, or any other suitable computer. It must be understood,however, that the user interface 70 may be a personal data assistant,mobile phone, or any other suitable interface. Further, the userinterface 70 is shown as being connected to the computer 22 by a hardwire internet connection, with the user interface 70 being remotelylocated from the computer 22. It must be understood, however, that theuser interface 70 and the computer 22 may connected in any suitablemanner, such as by wired or wireless intra or internet. It also must beunderstood, that while the computer 22 and the user interface 70 areillustrated as two separate devices, the computer 22 and the userinterface 70 may be integrated into a single unit.

The user interface 70 is suitable to receive output from the computer22, the output being based upon the algorithm evaluation of the data.Further, the computer 22 and user interface 70 may be connected suchthat at least one program module may be executed upon the computer'sreceiving an execution request from the user interface 70. Also, thecomputer 22 can be configured such that the computer 22 willautomatically execute at least one program module upon reception of thedata from the steam trap monitoring device 18.

The user interface 70 may be in communication with at least one outputdevice, such as a printer 74 or a monitor 78. The output device, such asthe printer 74 or the monitor 78, is operable to present output fromuser interface 70, the output being based upon the algorithm evaluationof the data, to a user, such as by print-out or by display.

Further, the system 10 may be configured such that the computer 22 maystore output to the storage device 50 and may retrieve the stored outputfor transmission to the user interface 70. Additionally, the computer 22may be set up so that it transmits output to the user interface 70automatically after analyzing the data from the monitoring device 18.Alternatively, the computer 22 may be set up so that the computer 22transmits output to the user interface 70, or to one or more other userinterfaces, not shown, upon receiving a request from the user interface70.

There is illustrated in FIG. 2 a method, indicated generally at 110, ofanalyzing steam trap data. The method 110 may use the system 10 of FIG.1, or any other suitable system. The method 110 begins in functionalblock 112 where a parameter of a steam trap is monitored. For example,the parameter, such at the temperature of the steam trap, may bemonitored by the steam trap monitoring device 18 of the system 10, or byany other suitable sensor or device.

The method 110 proceeds to functional block 118 where the parameter istransformed into data. For example, the parameter may be transformedinto data by the steam trap monitoring device 18, or by amicroprocessor, or by any other suitable device.

The method 110 proceeds to functional block 122 where the data istransmitted. For example, the data may be transmitted by the steam trapmonitoring device 18, any suitable transmitter, or any suitable device.

The method 110 proceeds to functional block 126 where the data isrelayed, i.e., received and transmitted. For example, the data may berelayed by the repeater 38, by the wireless repeater 46, by any suitabletransceiver, such as any internet node, by any suitable internet enableddevice, or by any other suitable device. It is to be understood that therelaying or repeating of the data transmission of not always necessary.

The method 110 proceeds to functional block 130 where the data isreceived. For example, the data may be received by the computer 22, orby any suitable device for receiving and evaluating the data.

The method 110 proceeds to functional block 134 where the data isevaluated. For example, the data may be evaluated by the computer 22, orby any suitable device.

The method 110 proceeds to functional block 138 where output isgenerated based at least in part upon the data from the steam trap. Forexample, the output may be generated by the computer 22 employing analgorithm for evaluating the data, or the output may be generated by anysuitable device in any suitable manner.

The method 110 proceeds to decision block 142 where it is determined ifthe output is to be stored. For example, this determination may be madeby preprogramming the computer 22, or by the computer's receivingdirection from the user interface 70, or in any suitable manner.

If the output is to be stored, then the method 110 proceeds tofunctional block 146 where the data is stored. For example, the computer22 may send the data to the storage device 50 for storage, or the datamay be stored in any suitable manner by any suitable device. Then themethod 110 proceeds to decision block 150. If the output is not to bestored, then the method 110 proceeds directly to decision block 150.

In decision block 150 it is determined if the output is to betransmitted. For example, this determination may be made bypreprogramming the computer 22, or by the computer's receiving directionfrom the user interface 70, or in any other suitable manner.

If the output is to be transmitted, then the method 110 proceeds tofunctional block 154 where the output is transmitted. For example, theoutput may be transmitted to the user interface 70, or to any othersuitable device. It must be understood that the output may betransmitted directly upon completion of the data evaluation or that ifthe output is stored, the output may be retrieved and transmitted at alater time. Then the method 110 proceeds to decision block 158. If theoutput is not to be transmitted, then the method 110 proceeds directlyto decision block 158.

In decision block 158 it is determined if the method 110 is to continue.For example, this determination may be made by preprogramming thecomputer 22, or by the computer's receiving direction from the userinterface 70, or in any suitable manner. If the method 110 is tocontinue, the method returns to functional block 112 and continuesthrough as before. Otherwise, the method 110 ends.

There is illustrated in FIG. 3 an expanded portion of the method 110 ofFIG. 2, indicated generally at 210. The portion 210 is an expansion ofthe functional block 134 and the step of evaluating the data. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the evaluation of the data isperformed by an algorithm including a plurality of program modules. Aprogram module may be executed automatically, for example bypreprogramming the computer 22, or a program module may be executed atthe direction of a user, for example by sending instruction via the userinterface 70, or a program module may be executed in any suitablemanner.

The portion 210 begins in decision block 214 where is it determined ifan economic module is to be executed. If the economic module is to beexecuted the portion 210 proceeds to functional block 218 where theeconomic module is run. Then the portion 210 proceeds to decision block222. If the economic module is not to be executed then the portion 210proceeds directly to decision block 222.

For example, the economic module may use cost tables to generate costreports based upon the current condition of steam trap operations. Thisinformation may then be used to generate a cost/benefit analysis ofrepairing ongoing problems. An example of such an analysis is a reportindicating the exact cost in steam loss and energy cost incurred eachday as a result of a malfunctioning steam trap.

In decision block 222 it is determined if an environmental module is tobe executed. If the environmental module is to be executed the portion210 proceeds to functional block 226 where the environmental module isrun. Then the portion 210 proceeds to decision block 230. If theenvironmental module is not to be executed then the portion 210 proceedsdirectly to decision block 230.

For example, the environmental module may use information in efficiencytables, along with known emission values, to formulate environmentalimpact reports based upon the monitoring of the steam traps. Thereports, for example, may include calculated values for CO2, SOX, or NOXemissions.

In decision block 230 it determined if an operational module is to beexecuted. If the operational module is to be executed the portion 210proceeds to functional block 234 where the operational module is run.Then the portion 210 proceeds to decision block 238. If the operationalmodule is not to be executed then the portion 210 proceeds directly todecision block 238.

For example, the operational module may use contact information in datatables, correlated to personnel to be contacted upon occurrence ofcertain events, to generate notification reports to specific personsunder specific situations, such as to notify a manager of potentialsteam trap outages. Also, the operational module may use a set ofpreselected fields to create condition reports that indicate the presentoperating condition of the steam traps. These reports may then be sentto appropriate personnel for immediate use, or sent to storage to createa record of steam trap operation.

In decision block 238 it determined if a predictive module is to beexecuted. If the predictive module is to be executed the portion 210proceeds to functional block 242 where the predictive module is run.Then the portion 210 proceeds to decision block 246. If the predictivemodule is not to be executed then the portion 210 proceeds directly todecision block 246.

For example, the predictive module may use steam trap historyinformation, model specific information, or location information togenerate reports of potential problems. This information may then beused to increase inspection or maintenance of particular steam traps, orto proactively replace steam traps as predicted to fail within apredetermined future time period.

In decision block 246 it determined if a remedial module is to beexecuted. If the remedial module is to be executed the portion 210proceeds to functional block 250 where the remedial module is run. Thenthe portion 210 ends. If the remedial module is not to be executed thenthe portion 210 ends directly.

For example, the remedial module may use cost tables to calculate thecost of on going steam trap failures, and/or maintenance schedules togenerate a repair schedule or create work orders for maintenance torepair particular steam traps. This information may be furtherintegrated with maps of steam trap locations or steam trap modelinformation for repair, or for the generation of supply orders forneeded parts.

While the method 110 has been described as using a steam trap monitoringdevice to monitor a parameter of a steam trap, to transform theparameter into data, and to transmit the data, it must be understood,that the steam trap monitoring device may be any suitable device or anysuitable group of modules, such as a separate sensor, microprocessor,and transmitter.

While the principle and mode of operation of this invention have beenexplained and illustrated with regard to particular embodiments, it mustbe understood, however, that this invention may be practiced otherwisethan as specifically explained and illustrated without departing fromits spirit or scope.

1. A system for analysing a stream trap data comprising: a plurality ofsteam trap monitoring devices each connected to a respective one of aplurality of steam traps, each of the steam trap monitoring devicesincluding at least one sensor operable to monitor a parameter of therespective steam trap, a transforming apparatus operable to transformthe parameter into data, and a transmitter operable to transmit the datato a computer; and a computer operable to receive the data, the computerincluding an algorithm for evaluating the data, the algorithm includinga program module for making an analysis of the data, the computergenerating output based upon the algorithm, the output being one ofstored in a data storage device and transmitted to a user interface. 2.The system of claim 1 wherein the algorithm includes an economic programmodule.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the algorithm includes anenvironmental program module.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein thealgorithm includes an operational program module.
 5. The system of claim1 wherein the algorithm includes a predictive program module.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the algorithm includes a remedial programmodule.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the steam trap monitoringdevice includes an internet enabled transmitter for transmitting thedata to the computer.
 8. The system of claim 1 further comprising atransceiver operable to relay the data from the steam trap monitoringdevice to the computer.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein the transceiveris an internet enabled transceiver.
 10. The system of claim 1 whereinthe steam trap monitoring device is at a first facility and the computeris at a second facility.
 11. The system of claim 1 wherein the computeris operable to transmit output to an output device, the output beingbased upon the algorithm evaluation of the data.
 12. The system of claim1 wherein the computer is operable to transmit output to a userinterface device.
 13. The system of claim 1 wherein the computerincludes a storage device and is operable to store output to the storagedevice, the output being based upon the algorithm evaluation of thedata.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein the computer is operable toretrieve the stored output from the storage device and operable totransmit the retrieved output to a user interface device.
 15. The systemof claim 1 wherein the algorithm is automatically executed to evaluatethe data upon the computer's receiving the data.
 16. The system of claim1 wherein the algorithm includes a program module operable to beexecuted upon the computer receiving an execution request from a userinterface.
 17. A method of analyzing steam trap data comprising thesteps of: (a) providing a plurality of steam trap monitoring deviceseach connected to a respective one of a plurality of steam traps, eachof the steam trap monitoring devices including at least one sensoroperable to monitor a parameter of the respective steam trap, atransforming apparatus operable to transform the parameter into data,and a transmitter operable to transmit data to a computer and providinga computer operable to receive the data, the computer including analgorithm for evaluating the data, the algorithm including a programmodule for making an analysis of the data; (b) using the steam trapmonitoring device to monitor a parameter of a steam trap, transform theparameter into data, and transmit the data to the computer; and (c)using the computer to receive the data, and evaluate the data with thealgorithm, and using the computer to generate output based upon thealgorithm, the output being one of stored in a data storage device andtransmitted to a user interface.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein thealgorithm includes an economic assessment program module.
 19. The methodof claim 17 wherein the algorithm includes an environmental assessmentprogram module.
 20. The method of claim 17 wherein the algorithmincludes an operational assessment program module.
 21. The method ofclaim 17 wherein the algorithm includes a predictive assessment programmodule.
 22. The method of claim 17 wherein the algorithm includes aremedial assessment program module.
 23. The method of claim 17 furthercomprising prior to step (c), (d) using a repeater to relay the datafrom the steam trap monitoring device to the computer.
 24. The method ofclaim 23 wherein the repeater is a transceiver operable to relay thedata from the steam trap monitoring device to the computer.
 25. Themethod of claim 24 wherein the transceiver is an internet enabledtransceiver.
 26. The method of claim 23 wherein the repeater is aninternet node.
 27. The method of claim 17 further comprising after step(c), (d) using the computer to transmit output based upon the algorithmevaluation of the data to a user interface device.
 28. The method ofclaim 17 wherein the computer includes a storage device and the methodfurther comprises after step (c), (d) using the computer to send outputbased upon the algorithm evaluation of the data to the storage devicefor storage.
 29. The method of claim 28 further comprising after step(d), (e) using the computer to retrieve the output from the storagedevice and to transmit the output to a user interface device.
 30. Themethod of claim 17 wherein the algorithm includes a program module forevaluating the data.
 31. The method of claim 30 wherein step (c)includes automatically executing the program module to evaluate thedata.
 32. The method of claim 30 further comprising prior to step (c),(d) having a user direct the computer to execute the program module forevaluating the data.